Novo Theatre awarded £20,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation
Novo Theatre is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £20,000 of vital funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation. The grant will support the company’s core costs and enable a series of innovative new projects designed to make theatre more accessible across Northumberland and the North East.
Thanks to this funding, Novo Theatre aims to:
Create an imaginative, immersive travelling museum experience.
Produce a bold new musical about an inspirational Northumberland social reformer.
Begin the research and creative development for a unique immersive show in Blyth.
Expand its creative careers and talent development programmes.
These projects will bring high-quality arts experiences to communities with limited access to theatre and cultural activity, while supporting emerging local talent and inspiring the next generation of theatre makers.
“We are delighted to receive this vital funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation. We know that arts and culture can have a huge, meaningful impact on lives – whether through improving mental health, decreasing loneliness or providing disadvantaged people with access to fantastic arts experiences and opportunities. This funding will help us inspire the next generation of theatre makers and provide valuable career development opportunities right here in the North East.”
Novo Theatre aims to deliver a range of ambitious creative projects across the region:
Co-create Home From Home – a collaborative project with five local schools and heritage organisations, creating events and workshops to inspire children’s interest in their heritage and language.
With Indignant Arts co-produce Josey – a powerful new musical celebrating a Northumberland social reformer, premiering with a two-week run at Northern Stage, alongside engaging pre-show activities and plans for a national tour.
Running alongside these artistic projects, the Novo Talent programme will continue to open up pathways into the creative industries. Across the year, Novo Talent will:
Deliver careers assemblies and workshops in at least five Northumberland schools, reaching more than 700 pupils.
Host an Industry Insight event in partnership with Alnwick Playhouse, inspiring young people to explore careers in theatre and the arts.
Work with Northumbria University, providing around 12 higher-education students with hands-on training in immersive theatre-making.